Step into Boeing's next-gen 747-8 Intercontinental (photos)

Boeing shows off an interior mock-up of its new 747-8 Intercontinental passenger plan in advance of its Sunday unveiling.

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747-8 Intercontinental

TUKWILA, Wash.--Boeing on Sunday plans to formally unveil its long-awaited 747-8 Intercontinental, a plane that it says will be the most fuel-efficient in the world. But while much of the attention surrounding the plane has focused on its new wings, its next-generation General Electric engines, and its industry-best cost per seat mile, it is also getting a major reboot of its interior.

After giving the aviation press a rare look at the final assembly of the 747-8 at the giant Boeing plant in Everett, Wash., the company escorted the media to its Customer Experience Center, where reporters were given a chance to see the latest iteration of the interior mock-up of the 747-8 Intercontinental.

Looking down the stairs

Upstairs lounge bench

Inside the 747-8 Intercontinental interior mock-up, Boeing has configured the upper deck to be like it would be on a VIP version of the plane. This is a lounge bench, complete with cushions and pillows, and it faces a pair of armchairs.

Lounge chairs

Inside the 747-8 Intercontinental interior mock-up, Boeing has configured the upper deck to be like it would be on a VIP version of the plane. This is a pair of armchairs with a small table facing a lounge bench, complete with cushions and pillows.

First-class seating

Business class bed

The interior mock-up of the 747-8 Intercontinental shows several different kinds of business class seating. This is the narrowest of the options showed, but shown folded out so that passengers can stretch out.

Ceiling

Though the 747-8 Intercontinental is the same width as the current-generation 747-400, it has used design elements--including special LED lighting that can provide a sense that the ceiling looks like the sky--to make people believe that the plane is wider and taller.